Eklund vann historisk rallycross

Ett bakhjulslager skar på motorvägen i Holland. I övrigt gick trippen till England som på räls för Per Eklund - som vann helgens historiska rallycrosstävling i centrala London.

"Nåt straff ska en ha!" utropar Per Eklund just som han rullat ombord på färjan i Kiel. För så länge det var tävling gick allt Per Eklunds väg, men sedan var de tvungna att ta landvägen hem.
- Någonstans i Holland började andra bilister blinka åt oss, berättar Per.Han stannade och då gav bakhjulslagret upp till ena hjulet på kärran. Uppe på släpet stod Pers Saab 9-3 Aerosport Sedan som gick som en klocka i London Masters Rallycross. Det tog en stund att fixa släpet innan de kunde ta sig vidare till Kiel, glada över att hinna med onsdagskvällens färja till Göteborg.

I England kom som väntat det hårdaste motståndet från engelsmannen Ollie O'Donovan.
- Men vi vann nästan allt, säger Per glädjestrålande.
- Jag missade honom i ett kvalheat, men det var mitt eget fel för jag var inte riktigt med i starten.Och starten visade sig bli väldigt viktigt.
- Det var regnigt hela tiden och den nygjorda banan blev gropig och lerig. Låg du efter såg du ingenting...

Efter tre omgångar gick de sex bästa i varje klass vidare till en speciell cup som körde i strålkastarsken på lördagskvällen. Per hade förstås en fight med O'Donovan, men det blev svensk seger i denna historiska tävling, utanför mässan London Motorsport Show.På söndagen kördes sedan en fjärde omgången i huvudtävlingen. När det var dags för final räknades samtliga omgångar och det var två favoriter längst fram: Per Eklund och Ollie O'Donovan.
- Jag sa till honom att "vi syns i första sväng", säger Per.

Så blev det. Ingen släppte och det bar iväg in i en snabbsväng utan större gassläpp.
- Vi åkte dörr i dörr, hoppa och flög!Sedan hamnade engelsmannens Peugeot lite för långt ut i bankanten och han drog av, snett in i avbalkningen.
- Sedan var det en lätt resa. Jag kunde åka de sex varven och vinka till publiken, hälsar Per.
Ytterligare en historisk rallycrosseger av Per Eklund - som vann den svenska premiären i grenen 1971. Nu fick han som sagt problem för när de skulle hem med tävlingsbilen på släp.

Artikeln publicerad 2007-12-11 av Annemo Friberg

Eklund won the London Rallycross Masters

Eklund won the London masters today!

After qualifying 2nd despite not having the ideal tyre (Avon cross-ply heavy wet pattern) Per made a fantastic start with London-based Irishman Ollie O`Donovan the pole-sitter also getting off the line with a good start, the two cars alongside eachother into the first left-hand kink.

Both cars were launched skyward and contact was made in mid-air, fortunately Pers Saab 9-3 4x4t landed better than O`Donovan who`s Tony Bardy prepared Peugeot 306 4x4T16 ended up hitting the barriers and sustaining damage to front and rear right-hand suspension and stranded just off the racing line.

The race continued with Tony Proctor (Yorkshire) in his Harry Hockley prepared Ford Puma 4x4t taking up the chase to catch Per Eklund with Dublin Based Irishman Dermot Carnegie Fiesta ST4x4T and Steve Hill Mitsubishi Evo 9 also in hot persuit.

Proctors chase ended a few laps later after spinning-out and stalling, leaving Carnegie to pick up 2nd place and Hill to complete the honours with 3rd.

Jeremy Roberts Photographs @ fotopic.net

After the race Per picked-up hitch-hiker Ollie O`Donovan, who then drove Pers Saab with the 61 year old Eklund standing proud out of the side of the drivers door to enjoy the cheers of the crowd, whilst the other drivers enjoyed a feast of donuts, Carnegie in particular who managed to treat Tommy Grahams Escort to a sand-blasting.

by: John Foley

***Update***
A video from the final:


A video from the finish:

Per Eklund competes in London Masters Rallycross

Pressrelease

RALLY LEGEND PER EKLUND COMPETES IN LONDON MASTERS RALLYCROSS

World rally legend Per Eklund is competing in the inaugural 2007 London Masters Rallycross
competition, held at ExCel on Saturday and Sunday 8/9 December. A World Rally Championship round winner and former European Rallycross Championship titleholder, Per has been competing in motorsport for around 40 years.

Swedish-born Per began his driving career in 1968 at the Swedish Rally, which he won in 1976. From 1970 to 1979, he was a Saab works driver, using a Saab 99 Turbo before progressing to a Saab 900 Turbo, which he raced in the British round of the 1997 World Championship. During the 70s and 80s, Per was a regular participant in the RAC Rally, competing in a mix of cars including a Toyota Celica, Saab 96 V4 and 99 EMS, and a Lancia Delta, before driving for British Leyland and Audi.

Per started driving in rallycross by winning the first-ever Swedish rallycross event at Hedemora, on 17 October 1971. He drove a Saab 96 V4, then a Saab 99 in its various sporting evolutions. He was always prominent, and became seventh overall and fourth overall respectively in the first and second European Championship series of 1973 and 1974. His greatest successes have been in more modern times, when he won the FIA European Rallycross Championship in 1999 and he remains one of the fastest competitors, finishing eighth in this year's competition.

Race and show organiser Philip Bunn said: "We are thrilled that Per will be competing at the London Masters. His involvement, along with drivers such as Ollie Donovan and 'Mad' Mark
Watson, confirms that this is a major event for the motorsport calendar and as such is attracting major competitors. The final preparations are being made to the circuit, so that we can ensure
that the surface is perfect for a high-performance motorsport competition."

The circuit is a minimum of 14.5 metres wide, with an approximate length of 650 metres. The lap time for a Division 1 car is expected to be between 30 and 35 seconds, with an average speed of approximately 80mph. The circuit has been constructed with fast-flowing corners, featuring two spectacular yumps. With Division 1, Super National, Procar 1600 and 2000, Revivals, Junior Rallycross and Minicross categories, visitors will be on the edge of their seats watching the exhilarating live action.

The London Masters is just one of the exciting features of the 2007 London Motorsport Show,
which covers all disciplines of motorsport – from karting through to Formula One - and is a must for any motor racing enthusiast. Doors open each day from 10.00 and the show closes at 18.30 on Saturday (with the rallycross event finishing at around 20.00) and 15.30 on Sunday. For information and to book tickets, visit http://www.londonmasters.co.uk.

Eklund's cars at Rallycross Superprix

04-11-2007

The 2007 Jersey Farm Hotel Rallycross Superprix is a rallycross event who took place on November 3rd & 4th at Croft Circuit (near Darlington).
Per Eklund used to participate some years ago with some other Swedish top drivers, but this year he rent his cars to two English drivers: Ollie O'Donnovan who use to drive with his MSA British Rallycross Championship winning Peugeot 306 and Dave Bellerby, who use to drive with a Lotus Exige.

Both drivers made is to the semi finals. Dave Bellerby, who drove the classic Saab 9-3, blew up his engine in his semi final and the team raced against time to fit a new engine, which they did in 35 minutes, only ten minutes too late for him to make the start for the finals.

(c) 2007 by www.erc24.com

For Ollie it went much better. He finished on a nice 4th place in the final. He drove very good with a car he is not used to drive with. Kenneth Hansen won the finals, just in front of
Christopher Evans (Vauxhall Astra) and Kevin Proctor (Ford Puma).

(c) 2007 by www.erc24.com

Superprix Result (6 Laps)

1. Kenneth HANSEN Citroen C4 4:16.18
2. Christopher EVANS Vauxhall Astra 4:18.89
3. Kevin PROCTOR Ford Puma 4:21.49
4. Ollie O'DONOVAN Saab 9-3 4:24.28
5. Mike MANNING Ford Escort 4:30.44
6. Mad Mark WATSON Citroen Xsara 4:35.44
7. David BINKS Mitsubishi Lancer 4:38.83
8. Bob GOODING Ford Escort 4:58.49
9. Tony BARDY Peugeot 306 DNF
10. Pat DORAN Ford Fiesta DNF

After this event normally ends the season for Per Eklund, but Ollie O´Donovan persuaded Eklund to take part in a rallycross event in Central London on 8-9 December, at the Londen Motor Sport Show, the London Masters!. Ollie will drive with his Peugeot and Eklund with his Saab 9-3 SportSedan. Eklund left his Saab 9-3 in Engeland and he will repair the Saab to be top fit for the race in London. After his, he will travel with his bus and the old Saab back to Arvika and return to England in December.

Björn Berglof/Mike Jager

Round 8 BC Croft: Eklund first!

21 October 2007

Croft Circuit - Croft on Tees - England


British Rallycross Drivers Association Rallycross Championship 2007- Round 8

Results Supercar:

1. Per Eklund, SAAB 9-3 ASS
2. Dermot Carnegie, Ford Fiesta ST
3. Kevin Procter, Ford Puma
4. Andrew Jordan, Ford Focus
5. Steve Hill, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
6. Pat Doran, Ford Fiesta ST
7. Ollie O'Donovan, Peugeot 306

MSA British Rallycross Championship 2007 - Round 8

Results Superfinal:

1. Dermot Carnegie, Ford Fiesta ST
2. Per Eklund, SAAB 9-3 ASS
3. Andrew Jordan, Ford Focus
4. Ollie O'Donovan, Peugeot 306
5. Steve Hill, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
6. Andy Grant, Ford Escort RS 2000

Round 7 BC Mondello Park: Eklund 8th

Round 7 of the British Rallycross Rallycross Championship Mondello Park, Ireland

Results Supercar:

1. Olivier Anne, Citroën C4
2. Andrew Nesbitt, SAAB 9-3
3. Tommy Graham, Ford Escort RS 2000
4. Ollie O'Donovan, Peugeot 306
5. Andrew Jordan, Ford Focus
6. Dermot Carnegie, Ford Fiesta ST
7. George Tracey, MG Metro 6R4
8. Per Eklund, SAAB 9-3 ASS

Last EC 2007: Eklund again a-final, 6th!

23 September 2007

Results round 10 at Sosnová, Czech Republic

1. Lars Larsson, Škoda Fabia, 20


2. Ludvig Hunsbedt, Volvo S40, 17


3. Andreas Eriksson, Ford Fiesta ST, 15


4. Pavel Koutný, Ford Focus, 13


5. Jos Kuypers, Ford Focus ST, 12


6. Per Eklund, SAAB 9-3 ASS, 11

EC Poland: Eklund 4th!

16 September 2007

Results EC round 9, Słomczyn, Poland.

1. Lars Larsson Škoda Fabia, 20


2. Kenneth Hansen, Citroën C4, 17


3. Andreas Eriksson, Ford Fiesta ST, 15


4. Per Eklund, SAAB 9-3 ASS, 13


5. Ludvig Hunsbedt, Volvo S40, 12


6. Rolf Volland, Škoda Fabia, 11

5th in last SC race at Götene

Today, Saturday 8th September, was the final round of the Swedish championship rallycross division 1 season 2007 at the kinnekulle racetrack at Götene.

Heat 1:

1. K. Hansen
2. M. Jenrberg
3. A. Eriksson
4. T. Croon
5. I. Gunnarsson
6. L. Larsson
7. P. Eklund

Heat 2:

1. P. Eklund
2. L. Larsson
3. T. Croon
4. A. Eriksson
5. S.O. Walfridsson
6. K. Hansen

Heat 3:

1. T. Croon
2. P. Eklund
3. L. Larsson
4. K. Hansen
5. M. Jernberg
6. M. Eriksson

With these results, Ekund has the pole position in de A-final!


A-Final:
With Eklund on pole and T. Croon on second place, it was Hansen and Larson on second row, Erikson and Jernberg on third row.
The start was for Hansen, followed by Larsson and Eriksson. Eklund didn't make a good start and followed the field with some seconds delay. He could not catch up with the rest of the field.
Eriksson went of the track in the last lap and Eklund finished on 5th position. Because radstrom had a bad weekend, Eklund finished on 3th position overall in the championship!
Lars Larsson (98 points) wins the 2007 championship while Andreas Eriksson (84 points) finishes the Swedish series as second and Eklund (59 points) as third.
So our congratulations to Larsson and his team!!

1. K. Hansen, 20+3
2. M. Jernberg, 17+2
3. L. Larsson, 15
4. T. Croon, 13
5. P Eklund, 12
6. A. Eriksson, 11+1

EC Valkenswaard: Eklund 14th again

Time practice:
1. Michael Jernberg, Ford, 00:38:19
2. Kenneth Hansen, Citroën, 00:38:81
3. Ludvig Hunsbedt, Volvo, 00:38:85
4. Morten Bermingrud, Citroën, 00:39:09
5. Lars Larsson, Skoda, 00:39:26
6. Guttorm Lindefjell, Ford, 00:39:28
7. Sverre Isachsen, Ford, 00:39:65
8. Jos Kuypers, Ford, 00:39:72
9. Christopher Evans, Opel, 00:39:80
10. Per Eklund, Saab, 00:39:83
22. Andrew Nesbitt, Saab, 00:40:96

Heat 1:
1. Kenneth Hansen, Citroën, 02:37:07
2. Sverre Isachsen, Ford, 02:38:80
3. Michael Jernberg, Ford, 02:39:16
4. Andreas Eriksson, Ford, 02:39:44
5. Guttorm Lindefjell, Ford, 02:39:48
6. Ludvig Hunsbedt, Volvo, 02:39:92
12. Per Eklund, Saab, 02:43:23 2
7. Andrew Nesbitt, Saab, 02:51:20

Heat 2:
Eklund starts with Nottveit, Pauwels Carnegie and Wicik (no start).It is Nottweit who has the best start and goes first into the first corner. Eklund and Pauwels are next to each other, but in the second corner it is Pauwels who takes the second place, followed by Eklund and Carnigie.
All drivers are very close to each other and driving there laps.
But in the last lap, Nottveit goes wide and Pauwels and Eklund can overtake him.Pauwels is first over the finish line, followed by Eklund, Nottveit and Carnegie.

Ekund drives a 13th time overall.

1. Kenneth Hansen, Citroën, 02:39:75
2. Michael Jernberg, Ford, 02:41:45
3. Sverre Isachsen, Ford, 02:41:53
4. Guttorm Lindefjell, Ford, 02:41:97
5. Christopher Evans, Opel, 02:44:41
6. Stig-Olov Walfridsson, Renault, 02:44:51
13. Per Eklund, Saab, 02:46:98
18. Andrew Nesbitt, Saab, 02:49:72

Heat 3:
Eklund starts with Nottveit, Pauwels, Doran and Walfridsson.
All drives take a good start and 5 cars drive next to each other to the first corner. It is Nottveit, Doran and Walfridsson onthe outside hitting eachother. Doran drives next to the track and lands on his top in the sandbank. Walfridsson brakes his rear wheel.
Eklund is in front of Pauwels and drives first into the corner, followed by Pauwels. But the officials give a red flag.
At the second start it is Pauwels who went first into the first corner followed by Ekluns and Notweit.Eklund follows Pauwels in short distance. In the second lap, Pauwels is driving wide into the "Per Eklund" corner and Eklund canput his Saab 9-3 on the inside and overtakes Pauwels.
Eklund wins this heat, Pauwels 2nd and Nottveit 3rd.
With this time, he has a 8th time overall.

1. Michael Jernberg, Ford, 02:37:65
2. Lars Larsson, Skoda, 02:38:68
3. Pavel Koutný, Ford, 02:39:27
4. Morten Bermingrud, Citroën, 02:39:96
5. Ludvig Hunsbedt, Volvo, 02:40:86
6. Morten Jespersen, Peugeot, 02:41:76
7. Jos Kuypers, Ford, 02:41:83
8. Per Eklund, Saab, 02:42:63
18. Andrew Nesbitt, Saab, 02:46:63


With a 12th, 13th, and a 8th time, Per Eklund starts on a 4th place in the c-final, a 14th time overall.

C-final:
It is Kuypers on pole, followed by Anne, Walfridsson, Eklund, Pauwels and Jespersen.
It takes 3 starts before the C-final is really underway.
The first jumpstart is for Kuypers, the second for Pauwels.The third start is good and it is Kuypers who is first into the "Eklund corner", followed by Eklund, Anne, Walfridsson, Pauwels and Jespersen. But after the first corner, Anne is bumping very hard into Eklund's Saab. Eklund is pushed to the ouside and loses 2 places.
Pauwels is out in the first round. Kuypers can hold his first place to the finish line and the rest is just following.

1. Kenneth Hansen, Citroën, 20
2. Sverre Isachsen, Ford, 17
3. Lars Larsson, Skoda,15
4. Michael Jernberg, Ford, 13
5. Ludvig Hunsbedt, Volvo, 12
6. Guttorm Lindefjell, Ford, 11
14. Per Eklund, Saab, 3
23. Andrew Nesbitt, Saab, -

After the race, Eklund says: "It's very hard to get a good result. There is so much competition, a lot of good drivers with good cars. We are going back to Sweden and prepair ourselves and the car for the next race at Kinnekulle".
Also Andrew Nebitt said: "I hope to race also in Poland and Czechia with a Saab, I liked it so far, great fun!".




(C) 2007 by Mike Jager

EC Belgium: Eklund 4th in C-final

The weekend didn't start well, Eklunds mobile home bus broke down near Hamburg. "A hydrolic problem", he said. But they made it right on time with an emergency reparation.

Time practice:
01. M. Jernberg, Ford Focus, 0.39.71
02. L. Larsson, Skoda Fabia, 0.39.95
03. S. Isachsen, Ford Focus, 0.40.05
04. A. Eriksson, Ford Fiësta, 0.40.25
05. L. Hunsbedt, Volvo S40, 0.40.37
06. P. Koutný, Ford Focus, 0.40.40
12. Per Eklund, Saab 9-3, 0.40.87
27. A. Nesbitt, Saab 9-3, 0.42.75


2 Saabs on a row for Eklund Motorsport

Heat 1:
After the division 1A, the organiser watered the track. The drivers of Division 1 wait 20 minutes for the track to be dry again. The track didn't dry up totally, so Nesbitt cold not set a perfect time, also for Eklund.

01. M. Jernberg, Ford Focus, 2.46.29
02. L. Larsson, Skoda Fabia, 2.47.04
03. S. Isachsen, Ford Focus, 2.47.31
04. A. Eriksson, Ford Fiësta, 2.47.75
05. P. Koutný, Ford Focus, 2.48.83
06. K. Hansen, Citroën C4, 2.49.41
12. Per Eklund, Saab 9-3, 2.53.23
27. A. Nesbitt, Saab 9-3, 3.02.03


Eklund at the start of heat 2.

Heat 2:
At the warm-up, the car of nesbitt didn't start at ones. The mechanics had to change the ignition system. Eklunds car runs very well, no changes to the car, just some set-up changes.

Eklund had to start with Kuypers, v. Mechelen, Bermingrud and Lindefjell.
The start was good, on the outside in 3th position, after the first corner, Eklund moves to second.
But in the last lap, Eklund got a puncture left front and was forced to drive more carefull. He had to let pass v. Mechelen and Kuypers, but could made it over the finish in 4th position. He had a 14th time overall.

01. A. Eriksson, Ford Fiësta, 2.44.40
02. M. Jernberg, Ford Focus, 2.45.45
03. G. Lindefjell, Ford Focus, 2.46.83
04. S. Isachsen, Ford Focus, 2.46.97
05. K. Hansen, Citroën C4, 2.47.57
06. P. Koutný, Ford Focus, 2.47.62
14. Per Eklund, Saab 9-3, 2.52.69
23. A. Nesbitt, Saab 9-3, 2.57.17


Andrew Nesbitt behind the steering wheel

Heat 3:
Eklund had to start with Kuypers, Bermingrud Nottvet and Doran.
Eklund had a very good start and came second behind Kuypers.
But then Doran was pushed and got sideways and cause a red flag situation.

At the second start, it was Kuypers and bermingrud who took the lead in front of Eklund.
It was a very close race to the finish line, Nottvet and Doran went out.

With these results, Eklund has a 15th place overall, the 5th start position in the c-final.
Andrew Nesbitt has a 27th, 23th and 20th time, a 25th place overall. He is going faster every heat. Perhaps he is also coming to Valkenswaard.

01. M. Jernberg, Ford Focus, 2.44.49
02. L. Larsson, Skoda Fabia, 2.45.98
03. K. Hansen, Citroën C4, 2.46.29
04. P. Koutný, Ford Focus, 2.46.36
05. S. Isachsen, Ford Focus, 2.47.05
06. L. Husbedt, Volv S40, 2.47.56
16. Per Eklund, Saab 9-3, 2.50.95
20. A. Nesbitt, Saab 9-3, 2.53.89


Eklund at the Duivelsberg

Results:
01. M. Jernberg, Ford Focus, 20
02. S. Isachsen, Ford Focus, 17
03. G. Lindefjell, Ford Focus, 15
04. K. Hansen, Citroën C4, 13
05. L. Larsson Škoda Fabia, 12
06. A. Eriksson, Ford Fiesta, 11
14. Per Eklund, SAAB 9-3, 3
25. A. Nesbitt, SAAB 9-3, -

Irish rally superstar to drive Eklund Saab in Belgium

From ERC24, by Tim Whittington:

Ulsterman Nesbitt has raced in Rallycross twice before, driving Pat Doran’s Escort WRC at Brands Hatch in 2004 and racing George Tracey’s MG Metro 6R4 at Mondello Park last winter. It is Tracey who has encouraged Nesbitt to try his hand in the ERC.

“I’d spoken with George [Tracey] about doing an event or two a couple of times and we got to a stage where logistics meant it was going to best to use a car from Per Eklund. I was away on business recently and when I came back it was all arranged,” said Nesbitt, for whom Rallycross is an addition to his rally events.
“I hope to do one or two more rallies this year, Rallycross is a good way to keep my hand in, I’m certainly not ready to hang up my gloves and stop rallying yet. I enjoy Rallycross, it’s a very sociable event and you can do your racing and then be back in the office the next day, it’s less time consuming than rallying.”

Nesbitt first came to prominence in 1996 when he won the Donegal International Rally in a Toyota. In a successful period driving Subarus he subsequently won the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2000 and 2002 and took an historic hat trick (2002, ’03 and ’04) of wins in the Jim Clark Rally.
Nesbitt also drove a Subaru in Sweden in 2004 where he made his WRC debut. More recently he has driven for Mitsubishi in WRC and Irish events.

At present Nesbitt is only certain to race in the Belgian event, although there is a possibility that he may extend his deal to include the following weekend’s Dutch ERC round. Although Nesbitt has relatively little experience of driving in Rallycross he is familiar with the sport and regular in the BRC paddock where his younger son Matthew races in Junior Rallycross.

Per Eklund tar storbråket med ro

Det var ihopkörningen som slutade med rena hoten.
Efter rallycross-SM i Strängnäs gick Thomas Rådström till full attack mot Per Eklund.
- Han skulle ta livet av mig, säger Eklund.
B-finalen i torsdagens SM-tävling tog en dramatisk vändning. I en kurva körde Eklund och Rådström ihop.
Enligt Arvikaföraren gick det till så här:
- Jag hade innerspåret. Han var kanske en meter framför mig och försökte vika in, men jag släpper aldrig till Rådström så han åkte in i mig och jag blev svartflaggad, säger Eklund.
Thomas Rådström snuvades på chansen att ta sig till A-final och i Västerbottens Folkblad går han till hård attack mot Per Eklund.
- Han har inte alla jävla får hemma i sin hjärna. Dom skulle knyckt hans licens.
- Han körde på mig bakifrån och vände runt mig. Man skulle inte få tävla om man är över 60 år, han är bara i vägen och det blir värre och värre, rasar Rådström till tidningen.
Per Eklund tar det hela med ro.
- Efter tävlingen i Knutstorp sa han att han skulle döda mig. Nu sa han igen att han skulle ta livet av mig. Den där Rådström håller alltid på, det är alltid han. Det är heta känslor, men det är så det är.
I stället för munhuggande med Thomas Rådström vill Per Eklund se en standardhöjning av domarkåren.
- De måste få bättre utbildning så de förstår vad de håller på med. Domarna är ungefär lika jobbiga som poliserna. Nu blev jag svartflaggad och har inte längre någon chans på SM.
Härnäst väntar helgens EM i Belgien för Eklund.

SOFIE GUSTAFSSON
sofie.gustafsson@vf.se 054-7 55 32
http://www.vf.se/

SC at Stägnäs: Eklund again black flag...

Today, the 5th race for the Swedisch championship rallycross at the Strängnäs Motorstadion, ended in the B-final.
Per Eklund drove at the time practice a second time.

1 Lars Larsson Skoda Fabia ( 0.33,93 ) 0.33,80
2 Per Eklund Saab 9-3 0.33,99 ( 0.34,28 )
3 Michael Jernberg Ford Focus ( 0.34,35 ) 0.34,04
4 Andreas Eriksson Ford Fiesta ( 0.34,48 ) 0.34,06
5 Stig-Olov Walfridsson Renault Clio ( 0.34,13 ) 0.34,11

At the qualification heats, Eklund drives a 5th, 5th and a 7th time overall. This results in a second place at the startgrid in the B-final. Walfridsson and Jokinen are going to the A-final.

In the A-final, it is again Larsson who wins, in front of Walfridsson and Eriksson.

Results:
1. L. Larsson, 20+3
2. Walfridsson, 17
3. Eriksson, 15+2
4. M. Jernberg, 13
5. M. Jokinen, 12
6. I. Gunnarsson, 11+1
7. M. Nilsson, 10
8. T. Radström, 9
9. I. Bjöörn, 8
10. P. Eklund, 7

SC Kalix: Eklund second!

At the 4th race for the Swedish championship at Kalix, Eklund drove a 5th, 7th and a 4th time.

He started at the second place in the B-final, but he won this final.
In the A-final, the went second over the finish line. Rådström and Eriksson did ot finish, Hunsbedt got a black flag.

Results:

1. Lars Larsson, Skoda Fabia, 20+3
2. Per Eklund, Saab 9-3 ASS, 17
3. Tony Croon, Ford Focus, 15
4. Thomas Rådström, Hyudai Accent, 13+2
5. Andreas Eriksson, Ford Fiesta, 12
6. Ludvig Hunsbedt, Volvo S40, 11+1

© ERC24/Backmansfoto.se

Per Eklund rasar efter tävlingen i Momarken

Per Eklund rasar efter tävlingen i Momarken: Det var rena vattenpolon
2007-07-09
Det började dåligt för Per Eklund i helgens EM-deltävling.
Först och främst lämnade Tommy Rustda in en protest mot värmlänningen som innebar strykning för Eklunds del.
- Vi hade en liten fajt och jag kom in i den alternativa banan. Jag är dödssäker på att jag var före honom ur svängen, men jag blev tyvärr struken och fick därför ingen tid, berättar Eklund.
Nästkommande dag stod regnet som spön i backen hela dagen i Momarken, utanför Oslo.
Enklare blev det heller inte för Eklund då han fick starta längst ut i banan. Han fick massa lera på fönsterrutan och visste knappt var han befann sig.
- Det var rena vattenpolon, säger Eklund som den här omgången inte heller lyckades få några bra tider.
Han slutade trea i C-finalen och vill nog helst glömma helgens tävling.
- Det har varit mycket bråk och protester. Synd för arrangörerna som hade sådan otur med vädret.
ERIK ELENSTRAND (www.vf.se)

EC Norway: Eklund only 14th...

It wasn't the best weekend for Per Eklund at the 6th round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship at Momarken Bilbane,.
At the official time practice, Eklund drove a 6th time overall. But in the first qualification heat he got a black flag because he overtook Rustad on a yellow flag.

(c) 2007 by http://www.erc24.com/

Extremely bad weather conditions on Sunday were part of the worse qualification heat 2 and 3: a 13th and a 11th time overall. This results in a 15th place in the finals...... Just inside the c-final.

Ola Frøshaug, rented for the Momarken event the SAAB 9-3 from Per Eklund. Frøshaug won the C final and was allowed to start in the B final but wasn't able to finish it.

Results:

1. Andreas Eriksson Ford Fiesta 20


2. Tommy Rustad Citroën Xsara 17


3. Lars Larsson Škoda Fabia 15


4. Sverre Isachsen Ford Focus 13


5. Kenneth Hansen Citroën C4 12


6. Thomas Rådström Hyundai Accent 11

11 Ola Frøshaug SAAB 9-3 6
14 Per Eklund SAAB 9-3 ASS 3

Next race: SC race 4 July 21 Kalix Motorstadion, Sweden

EC Norway, first heat again black flag

The EC at Norway doesn't start very well for Per Eklund.
In the first heat he started with Østberg, Rustad, Lindefjell and Isachsen.

Per Eklund passed Tommy Rustad under a yellow flag and got a black flag.

Eklund förbannad över svartflagg

Per Eklund krokade ihop med norrmannen Frode Holte i kampen om en plats i A-finalen.
Det fick han svartflagg för.
– Jag hoppade förbi, det ska inte vara svartflagg, säger han.

61-årige nestorn från Arvika var förbannad efteråt.
Istället för en tredjeplats i B-finalen blev han sist efter diskningen.
– Jag frågade Östlund (tävlingsledaren, Morgan) och han sa att det var ”griskörning”, men han kunde väl ha frågad flaggposten som såg vad som hände först, säger Eklund.

Västvärmlänningen var ytterst nära att gå direkt till A-final. Han och Kenneth Hansen hade samam poäng efter de tre kvalheaten och den sistnämnde gick före på bättre totalplacering i tredje heatet – åtta mot nia.
– Jag hade bättre tid och jag trodde att det gällde, så är det i SM.
Per Eklund var inblandad i en incident redan i starten av B-finalen.
– Holte tog starten och jag släppte förbi honom, då fick jag en skjuss i bakänden och for ut i sandfållan, är 99 procent säker på att det var Hunsbedt. Det var en sån smäll att bilen blev alldeles platt baktill, men då kom det inget svartflagg, det är jag mest irriterad på av allt, säger Eklund.

Han kom dock igen och närmade sig täten.
I sista kurvan före mål såg han att Holte lämnade en lucka på insidan.
– Han kom snett i hoppet och jag hoppade ikapp honom, då gick han in och stängde och vi hakade ihop.
I smällen gick styrstaget av på Eklunds Saab och åkdonet hamnade en stund ovanpå norrmannens. Då kom Ludvig Hunsbedt och smet förbi och knep platsen i A-finalen. Holta var tvåa över mållinjen och Eklund trea.
Eklund tycker inte att någon av förarna gjorde fel.
– Jag förstår att han stängde, det skulle jag också ha gjort. Jag kan hålla med om att det var en hård körning, men så har det ju varit hela helgen, det har flugit bilar åt alla håll, men de har inte tagit fram svartflaggan.
Sett till hela EM-tävlingen var Per Eklund ändå nöjd med sin insats.
– I början var jag inte nöjd, men jag gjorde om och det blev bättre och bättre.

BENGT SUNDLER
054-19 91 26 / bengt.sundler@nwt.se

EC Höljes: Eklund black flag in B-final

Friday June 29
I arrive at the Finnskoga racetrack in Höljes. All the drivers are at the scrutenering.

Saturday June 30
First practice.
The drivers start with a dry track. Eklund drove a fast time in the morning. But there were some turbo pressure problem. The team had some work to do.After a while it started to rain very heavy, so the car setup had to change to rain setup.The team changed the suspension and some electrical adjustments.

Second practice.
This practice was very wet. There was a lot of water on the track.Eklund drove about a 9th time overall.
After the practice the team changes the differential. The turbo pressure problem is still there.

Time practice.
The track is drying up and is almost dry. It was Larsson before Hunsbet, Jernberg and Eriksson.Eklund drove a 10th time overall,

Heat 1:
At the start of this heat the track is dry. Eklund had to start with Anne, Walfridsson, Pauwels and Holte, Eklund is on pole. When the red light went off, it was Anne and Holte who took the best start.In the first corner most drivers came together, Eklund at the inside. Walfridsson and Anne came to the inside, but there is no room. Anne and Eklund came together and Anne could not control his car and went of the track making some rolls. He ended on his roof! The red flag was out. At the second start it was Eklund who took the best start and went first into the corner in front of Walfridsson, Pauwels and Holte.In the last lap, Eklund took the joker lap, but was just to slow to stay in front of Walfridsson.It was Walfridsson before Eklund, Pauwels and Holte.After his heat, it started to rain and the next drivers could not set a good time. With this second place Eklund took a third place overall!

1. Radstrom, Hyundai Accent, 2.30.83
2. Walfridsson, Renault Clio, 2.31.61
3. Eklund, Saab 9-3, 2.31.97
4. Pauwels, Ford Focus, 2.32.74
5. Jokinen, Peugeot 207, 2.32.77
6. Nöttveit, Ford Focus, 2.33.08

Sunday, July 1
Warm-up
In the evening it was raining again. The team did a full check of the car and turns back the car for dry weather.
Sunday morning it was still cloudy but the track was dry.Eklund took his car out and did a nice warm-up to check the car. There are still some electronic adjustments needed.

Heat 2:
All drivers are qualifying on the same dry conditions.Eklund had to start with Radstrom and Jokinen. The start is for Radstrom and Eklund. Eklund is early on the brakes to avoid Radstom, he is second in the first corner. Eklund takes the jokerlap and comes out third. In the second lap Jokinen takes the jokerlap and Eklund moves up to second place. He is chasing Radstom, who has to take the jokerlap in the last round. Eklund cannot manage to overtake Radstom and so he is second over the finish.With this result he takes a 9th time overall.

1. Larsson, Skoda Fabia 2.26.30
2. Isachsen, Ford Focus, 2.26.97
3. Jernberg, Ford Focus, 2.27.28
4. Radström, Hyundai Accent, 2.27.70
5. Hansen, Citroen C4, 2.27.80
6. Bermingrud, Citroen Xsara, 2.27.95
9. Eklund, Saab 9-3, 2.28.56

Heat 3
The team is still looking for the right setup by adjusting the electronics.Eklund has to start only with Hansen in the last qualification heat.Hansen has the best start and Eklund is just following Hansen to get a good time.Eklund has a 6th time overall.

1. Larsson, Skoda Fabia 2.23.77
2. Bermingrud, Citroen Xsara, 2.24.92
3. Isachsen, Ford Focus, 2.25.01
4. Hansen, Citroen C4, 2.25.04
5. Holte, Volvo S40, 2.26.14
6. Eklund, Saab 9-3, 2.26.96

With these results, Eklund has a pole position in the B-final, a 6th position.

B-final
Eklund is on pole, together with Holte, Walfridsson, Nöttveit, Hunsbet and c-final winner Sachweh.
When the red start light went of, it is Holte and Hunsbet who had the best start followed by Eklund and Nöttveit.Eklund takes the jokerlap and comes out on 4th place. Holte and Hunsbet are fighting for first position. Next lap, Nöttveit takes the jokerlap and Eklund moves up to 3rd position, Holte can overtake Hunsbet when he takes the jokerlap.Holte takes the jokerlap and is still on first position, followed by Eklund, Hunsbet, Nöttveit, Sachweh and Walfridsson.Eklund is pushing very hard to get to Holte. Holte makes some wide turns, so Eklund and Hunsbet are on his tail.In the last corner in the last lap, Holte leaves a small gap,
Eklund pushes his car between it. But Holte is closing the gap.Eklund is holding his position and he lands almost on top of Holte. The two slowing down and Hudsbet is the laughing third and takes the victory.

(c) 2007 by http://www.erc24.com/

For this action Eklund gets a black flag and gets the 6th position in this b-final. A disappointing result after a quite good weekend in Höljes.

Eklund and his team have a lot work to do in Arvika, also preparing the second Saab 9-3 for Ola Frøshaug for the next race next weekend in Norway.

Regards,
Mike Jager

EC Höljes next weekend

Hi!

I'm on my way to Höljes now, perhaps I can make some updates when I get Internet acces down at the Höljesbanan this weekend.

regards,

Mike Jager

First SC at Knutstorp: Eklund second!

1. Andreas Eriksson 20+3
2. Per Eklund 17
3. Lars Larsson 15+2
4. Ingvar Gunnarsson 13
5. Thomas Rådström 12
6. Stig-Olov Walfridsson 11+1
7. Tony Croon 10
8. Marko Jokinen 9
9. Ingemar Bjöörn 8

EC Austria: Eklund 9th

1. Andreas Eriksson
2. Jos Kuypers
3. Ludvig Hunsbedt
4. Lars Larsson
5. Sverre Isachsen
6. Michael Jernberg
7. Kenneth Hansen
8. Morten Bermingrud
9. Per Eklund
10. Olivier Anne

The old fox does it again, 6th at EC Hungary!

Per Eklund does it again, another a-final at the Hungarian European rallycross round 3.
With a 7th time, a 9th and 7th time overall in the qualification heats he starts at the 4th place in the B-final together with Jani Paasonen, Morten Bermingrud, Harald Sachweh, Jos Kuypers and C-final winner Ludvig Hunsbedt.


photo: (c) 2007 www.erc24.com


Hunsbedt was hunting down B final leader Morten Bermingrud but both drivers didn't see eachother crashed together. Bermingrud crashed his Citroën in the barrier. Hunsbedt continued but damaged rear suspension allowed Per Eklund to pass and take the win.


photo: (c) 2007 www.erc24.com

In the A-final it was Michael Jernberg taking his second event win of the year in HungaryJernberg led the pack to the first turn and Kenneth Hansen quickly worked his way into second place. Thereafter the only position changes came courtesy of the Joker Lap. Jernberg left his until the last lap and comfortably retained his lead over Hansen to win. Sverre Isachsen made third place his own after Andreas Eriksson took the Joker Lap at the first chance, Per Eklund following his compatriot and running sixth throughout.

Results:

1. Michael Jernberg 20
2. Kenneth Hansen 17
3. Sverre Isachsen 15
4. Andreas Eriksson 13
5. Pavel Koutný 12
6. Per Eklund 11

Next race: June, 08-10 Greinbach, Austria

Second EC race in France: again A-final, 4th place!

The second race in France didn't start well. At the first heat, Eklund had a 10th time overall. In the second heat, it was even a 15th time overall. The third heat went very well. At slippery conditions he managed to get a 5th time overall.
With these results it was a 8th time, third in the B-final next to Larsson, Pailler, Kuypers, Bermingrud and C-final winner Hunsbedt.

At the B-final start, Pailler crashes into Larsson and had to retire. At the start of the last lap it was Ludvig Hunsbedt who came inside on the kerbs and took the rear wheel from Larsson. Both cars were out. The beneficiary of the incident was Per Eklund who took the lead and held off Morten Bermingrud in a desperate dash to the finish.

At the A-final it was Jernberg who took the lead at the start in front of Hansen, Eriksson, good starter Eklund, Oliver Anne and Isachsen. Then Eriksson spun and Per Eklund picked up third place ahead of Olivier Anne and Sverre Isachsen who had front end damage on his Focus.The race order remained static until the last lap when, exiting the hairpin at the top of the hill there was contact between Anne and Eklund, the latter running onto the infield and losing third place to the Frenchman. Eklund managed to recover fourth and held off Isachsen in a desperate run to the chequer.

Again a good result!

Next race: June, 1-3, Nyirád, Hungary.

Eklund 4th at first EC in Portugal!

The 2007 season has a good start for Per Eklund. At his first race for the European Championship in Portugal, Eklund managed to finish 4th in the A-final.

In the qualifications, Eklund drove a 4th, 5th and 6th time overall. This result was a pole in the B-final. Eklund made a good start in the re-start and was challenged strongly by Jernberg as the race entered its later stages, but ultimately it was too late for the Ford driver.

Eklund benefited from the retirement of Ericsson, and later Sverre Isachsen in the A-final, but could not catch third-placed Kenneth Hansen. A fourth place, a result better than whole last year, when he never made it to the A-final!


(C) www.erc24.com / JKR

Next weekend, the second EC in France.

Nu är Per Eklund på väg till Portugal

Med en ny röd och fin bil i släpkärran efter bussen, är Per på väg till säsongens första EM-deltävling i Portugal. Han är full av tillförsikt efter vinterns intensiva arbete med bilen, som är ny från topp till tå.
Karossen är i princip i samma utförande som tidigare men helt ny och oförstörd, då Kenneth Hansen inte har varit i närheten av den ännu. Den röda färgen gör att den ser mindre ut än förut och de nya BioPower-dekalerna är kronan på verket.

Nu får han inte köra på etanol i EM, men motorn är ändå betydligt vassare än under fjolårssäsongen. Det mottryck som spökade på insugsidan är nu ett minne blott och det har resulterat i ca 60 extra hästar under huven. Mappningen av motorn till etanol pågår hos Trollspeed och kommer till användning i SM, dock inte i Höljes och Momarken, då de tävlingarna är kombinerade SM och EM.
Premiären med etanol blir i Knutstorp den 16/6.

Nu får vi hålla tummarna för Per och hans team och önska dom lycka till.

Next weekend the first race of the season!

The car is almost ready and packed for the trip to Portugal.

New season, new colours and sponsors. The main sponsor of 2007 is Saab Biopower, next to Shell Helix.

The next pictures I got from Keltox Reklam

Per Eklund vinner för miljön

Årets rallycrossäsong inleds den 5-6 Maj i Portugal. På startlinjen står som vanligt Per Eklund, 61 år i Juni, för 44:e gången!

Till denna säsong har Eklund laddat för seger med miljön i åtanke.
- Vi har jobbat sedan sista tävlingen förra året med en ny motor. Vi kommer till start med Saab 9-3 Biopower, alltså med etanol i tanken, eller E85 som är den tekniska benämningen. Men det är komplicerat, rena ”snabelat”(@) för en annan. För att vi skall nå full effekt krävs mycket teknik och klurande. Tur att Saab trollhättan ihop med Trollspeed har tålamod.

Eklund kommer alltså till start i Svenska Mästerskapen, Xtreme Rallycross, med miljöbränslet E85 i tanken. Att han ej kör på E85 i EM är för attreglerna i FIA, internationella bilsportförbundet, ej tillåter detta idagsläget.
Att detta är en enormt seriös satsning från Eklund och Saab, visade Per med besked under onsdagens presskonferens i Strängnäs.
Han var snabbast direkt och förbättrade sig sedan successivt, sluttiden stannade på 33.39 med mer att ge enligt Per.
- En får va gör nöjd, har bara kört bilen på rullande landsväg och sendirekt hit för att skjutsa reportrar. Nu kan vi putse på bila fram till Portugal, säger Per på bredaste värmländska.

Att något är på gång hos Team Eklund, Saab 9-3 Biopower, höll även övriga förare med om under dagens övningar i Strängnäs. Eklund tippas som vinnare av SM 2007 från 3 av 5 närvarande förare. Att sedan Eklund i vanlig ordningnedtonar sina chanser i år, gör inte att fakta om favoritskapet blir mindre.
Han var 45 minuter tidig till Strängnäs, normalt kommer Eklund 5 minutersent, teamet hade inte skruvat hela natten, de hade till och med sovet ettantal timmar. På detta skall läggas det faktum att Eklund var snabbast.

Tippset är givet, Per Eklund, Saab 9-3 Biopower är favorit till guldet i Xtreme Rallycross SM 2007.
- Ja, nog ska en va med o fajtas, kan en sen bidra till miljön, med etanol i tanken är det klart man gör det. Komplicerat är det, men bra blir det, för miljön givetvis, men också för mig, avslutar Per Eklund och drar iväg på enny repa.

BILD: Per Eklund gör tummen upp för miljön och Rallycross.

Foto: Lennart Pettersson

Per Eklund med etanol i tanken

Per Eklund skall vinna rallycross SM med etanol i tanken
Årets rallycrossäsong inleds den 5-6 Maj i Portugal. På startlinjen står som vanligt Per Eklund, 61 år i Juni, för 44:e gången!
Till denna säsong har Eklund laddat för seger med miljön i åtanke.
- Vi har jobbat sedan sista tävlingen förra året med en ny motor. Vi kommer till start med Saab 9-3 Biopower, alltså med etanol i tanken, eller E85 som är den tekniska benämningen. För att vi skall nå full effekt krävs mycket teknik och klurande. Tur att Saab trollhättan ihop med Trollspeed har tålamod.
Eklund kommer alltså till start i Svenska Mästerskapen, Xtreme Rallycross, med miljöbränslet E85 i tanken. Att han ej kör på E85 i EM är för att reglerna i FIA, internationella bilsportförbundet, ej tillåter detta i dagsläget.
Att detta är en enormt seriös satsning från Eklund och Saab, visade Per med besked under onsdagens presskonferens i Strängnäs.
Han var snabbast direkt och förbättrade sig sedan successivt, sluttiden stannade på 33.39 med mer att ge enligt Per.
- En får va gör nöjd, har bara kört bilen på rullande landsväg och sen direkt hit för att skjutsa reportrar. Nu kan vi putsa på bila fram till Portugal, säger Per på bredaste värmländska.
Att något är på gång hos Team Eklund, Saab 9-3 Biopower, höll även övriga förare med om under dagens övningar i Strängnäs. Eklund tippas som vinnare av SM 2007 från 3 av 5 närvarande förare. Att sedan Eklund i vanlig ordning nedtonar sina chanser i år, gör inte att fakta om favoritskapet blir mindre.
Han var 45 minuter tidig till Strängnäs, normalt kommer Eklund 5 minuter sent, teamet hade inte skruvat hela natten, de hade till och med sovet ett antal timmar. På detta skall läggas det faktum att Eklund var snabbast.
Tipset är givet, Per Eklund, Saab 9-3 Biopower är favorit till guldet i Xtreme Rallycross SM 2007.
- Ja, nog ska en va med o fajtas, kan en sen bidra till miljön, med etanol i tanken är det klart man gör det. Komplicerat är det, men bra blir det, för miljön givetvis, men också för mig, avslutar Per Eklund och drar iväg på en ny repa.

(c)www.ecr24.com/sportbilder.se

First photos of the new car

From friend Simon Jongsma, my local Journalist from Arvika I got some photos from the 2007 car. After two years the colour changed again to "Ferrari" red.

Eklund build a new car, which we can see on the first photo. The car is not ready yet, there is a lot of work to do.


On the second photo, we see the car of last year. This car is also painted red.


Next wednesday, there will be a press conference at the Strägnäs racetrack.
If I receive some pictures, I will publish them ofcourse for you!

Cab on the Rocks!....

Per Eklund traveled to Kiruna to be one of the instructors at the Saab Ice Experience event.

Saab customers, VIP guests and dealers from all over the world are being greeted with ‘a cab on the rocks’ when they arrive for the Saab Ice Experience event at Sweden’s world famous ICE HOTEL.

Saab broke the ice when it pioneered the concept of an open-top car providing practical, all-year-round transport. So it was clearly a cool idea to ‘freeze frame’ the latest Saab 9-3 Convertible in a garage made from ice at the hotel, near Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.

Visible at night from a kilometer away, the icy reflections of the Convertible’s illuminated bright blue paintwork give arriving guests an automotive interpretation of the Northern Lights. The installation, added to this year’s version of the ICE HOTEL, is made from 60 ice blocks, weighing 30 tonnes, all harvested from the nearby Torne river, one of Europe’s purest.

Saab is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and the new Anniversary Convertible model was chosen to light up the sky. About 500 guests will attend the event, which finishes on 18 March, although test driving will not include the ice-bound Convertible.

”Snow and ice are core elements of Scandinavian nature, so it was a very natural step for us to adopt this theme for our Convertible, the original car for all seasons.” says Marie Larsson, Saab's Event Project Manager.

“Sweden also has a strong tradition for environmental care. For example, the ice used to build this hotel is a renewable resource that is recycled each year when it melts and returns to the river. In a similar way, our Saab BioPower engines are able to run on bioethanol, a renewable fuel with a greatly reduced CO2 impact.”

It never ends: Model news part 4: Porsche 911

On the site of Tron-models I found the Porsche 911 SC Group 3 rallycar, the car which Eklund drove with co-driver Björn Cederberg at the 1000 Lakes rally in Finland.
Scale 1:43 kit, item ARE390.

Tron-models write on there site 1980, but that must be 1978. In 1980 Eklund drove with a Triumph TR7 V8 at this rally.

In 1978 Eklund drove to a 4th place overall.

Searching on the internet results in this photo of the Porsche 911.

I'm not 100% sure, but Eklund still has this car at his garage in Arvika. It's still onder restoration, a long time project...

Model news part 3: a slot racer!!

A new TEAMSLOT Audi Quattro A2 Clarion (12302) scale 1:32 is available at selected slot outlets.

With this car, Eklund drove at the RAC Lombard rally in 1985 to a 4th place overall.

Model news part 2

Again I found some new scale models, this time two Toyota Celica's.

The first a Toyota Celica 2000 GT (RA40) from Miniracing, scale 1:43 (résine kit 0496).
It's the car driver Per Eklund and co-driver Ragnar Spjuth compete in the world rally of Portugal (1982). This car has number 8.
Rally result: a second place!





The second one, a Toyota Celica 2000 GT (RA40) from Miniracing, scale 1:43 (résine kit 0606). It's the car driver Per Eklund and co-driver Jan-Olof Bohlin compete in the world rally of France, Tour de Corse (1981). This car has number 7.


Rally result: a 6th place!